U.S. citizens traveling to China as tourists can apply for a tourist visa allowing multiple entry into the country over a period of one year. This kind of multiple-entry visa, known as a “type L,” is vital if you plan to visit either Hong Kong or Macau during your vacation before returning to China. Do not apply for your visa until you have booked your travel and hotel because staff at the Chinese embassy will ask to see written proof of your travel arrangements. Once you submit your application, your visa will be ready within four business days.

Step 1

Check that your passport is valid for at least 18 months before making your visa application. If you do not do this, Chinese officials might issue your visa for less than a year. If your passport will expire within this 18-month period, have it renewed.

Step 2

Download and complete the visa application form on the Chinese embassy website. The form asks for information about you and details about your travel, including the addresses of hotels you plan to stay in and information about any previous trips you’ve made to China.

Step 3

Get a passport-style photograph of yourself against a plain, light-colored background. The image should be in color and measure 1.9 inches high by 1.3 inches wide. Affix this photograph to the designated space on the application form.

Step 4

Make a photocopy of your airline tickets and hotel reservations. If you are traveling as part of an invited group, make a photocopy of the official invitation letter.

Step 5

Take your valid passport, completed application form, photocopies and photograph to the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., or the consulate general’s office closest to you. The People’s Republic of China operates consular facilities in New York, San Francisco, Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago. If you cannot go in person, choose someone you trust to submit the application on your behalf. You do not need to make an appointment in advance.

Step 6

Pay the fee. At the time of publication, a multiple-entry tourist visa for either six or 12 months costs $140 for U.S. citizens. If you need your visa quickly, ask about the expedited service offered by some consulates. For example, at the time of publication, the embassy in Washington D.C. offers a three-day service for $20, or a same-day service for $30. The Chinese embassy can accept payment by cashier’s check or money order, made payable to “Chinese embassy,” or by Visa or Mastercard.

About the Author

Rita Kennedy is a writer and researcher based in the United Kingdom. She began writing in 2002 and her work has appeared in several academic journals including "Memory Studies," the "Journal of Historical Geography" and the "Local Historian." She holds a Ph.D. in history and an honours degree in geography from the University of Ulster.

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